What legal options do I have to address unfair business practices of other companies?
July 16, 2023 | 80,00 EUR | answered by Yvonne Schmidt
Dear lawyer,
My name is Wilhelm Vollbrecht and I am the managing director of a medium-sized company in the automotive industry. Lately, I have noticed that some of my competitors are acting unfairly. For example, they spread false information about our company or use negative advertising campaigns to damage our reputation. These business practices have already led to a decrease in sales and a loss of trust among our customers.
I am very concerned about the future of my company and I wonder what legal options I have to address these unfair business practices of other companies. Are there specific laws or regulations that can protect me in such cases? How can I prove that the competition is actually violating competition law? What steps do I need to take to legally pursue these companies and potentially file claims for damages?
I would be very grateful if you could help me in this difficult situation and provide possible solutions to help my company and ensure fair competition.
Thank you in advance for your support.
Best regards,
Wilhelm Vollbrecht
Dear Mr. Vollbrecht,
Thank you for your inquiry regarding the unfair business practices of your competitors and your concerns about the future of your company. It is completely understandable that you wish to seek legal support to address these unfair practices.
First and foremost, it is important to know that unfair competition in Germany is regulated by the Act against Unfair Competition (UWG). The UWG protects companies from unfair business practices such as misleading advertising, defamation, or deliberate hindrance of competitors. So if you suspect that your competitors are violating the UWG, you have legal options to address it.
To legally address unfair competition, it is important to gather evidence that proves your competitors are actually violating the law. This can be done, for example, through screenshots of false information or advertising campaigns. Additionally, witnesses or expert opinions can help to prove the unfairness of the business practices.
To take legal action against your competitors, you can consult a lawyer specialized in commercial law. An experienced lawyer can assess your legal rights, show you possible legal steps to take, and support you in enforcing them. Depending on the case, measures such as warnings, interim injunctions, or even claims for damages can be made.
It is important that you act quickly and seek legal advice in a timely manner to protect your company and ensure fair competition. I recommend that you promptly contact a specialized lawyer to discuss your legal options and take appropriate measures.
I hope that my explanations have been helpful to you and have provided clarity on possible solutions. If you have any further questions or need assistance, I am at your disposal.
Best regards,
Yvonne Schmidt
Lawyer specialized in commercial law
